Mikayla Deiter
The 2025 Valedictorian, Mikayla Deiter, is the daughter of Mike and Judy Deiter.
She is the older sister of Maggie Deiter and the younger sister of Morgan Deiter.
Deiter is an active member of the school, serving as president of National Honor Society, team captain for cross country, and a section leader for the marching band. She is a varsity player in track and field as well as basketball, playing for multiple years in each. Deiter plays the clarinet in concert, county, and marching band while playing the alto saxophone in jazz band. Additionally, she is a member of Spanish National Honor Society, environmental club, and PYEA.
Outside of school, Deiter works at Little Buffalo State Park as a lifeguard and is the president of 4-H where she serves as the state project ambassador. She enjoys running, reading, cross-stitching, and playing the piano.
Mrs. Nicole Cirulli says, “I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to have Mikayla in class for four years. She went from a quiet little eighth grader in Geometry to confidently explaining concepts in Calculus II like a pro.”
“Mikayla learned how to successfully juggle a busy schedule,” says Mrs. Lisa Mullen. “Her band rehearsals and performances were just a warmup to her becoming a great leader!”
Deiter describes her high school experience as “…‘running to catch a train that never stops.’ Once I would finish an assignment, take a test, or play a game, there was another one right around the corner.”
As her best piece of advice to underclassmen, Deiter tells students to “…read the textbooks. Believe it or not… they have some very helpful information in them that will make your classes much easier.”
After graduation, Deiter plans to attend Haverford College to focus on Biochemistry and Mathematics with plans to attend medical school to become a practicing physician.
Emalee Turnbaugh
Emalee Turnbaugh has been officially titled the Class of 2025 Salutatorian. She is the daughter of Craig and Krista Turnbaugh.
Turnbaugh is an active member of multiple groups around the school. She is the president of PYEA, secretary of National Honor Society, a four-year member of student council, and a teacher’s assistant.
Outside of school, Turnbaugh enjoys fishing with friends, making crafts, and watching football. Her favorite team to watch is the San Francisco 49ers.
Turnbaugh says that she has learned a lot from high school. “Take your time and don’t rush when it comes to life… everything is going to go fast. My favorite part of high school was all of the memories we made with each other,” she says.
“It would be a cliché to say Emalee is dedicated to her academic success. Anyone who knows her knows that,” says Mr. Steven Barlup. “…I think Emalee shines by being successful in the things she decides are important to her.”
“Emmy really is the perfect student: she works hard, stays positive, and is unfailingly kind to everyone,” says Mrs. Angela Stewart.
For upcoming freshmen, Turnbaugh has some encouraging words. “Have faith and push yourself, even when things seem too difficult, because there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.”
Turnbaugh plans to attend South Hills School of Business and Technology for diagnostic medical sonography.
